The Fall GASO didn’t disappoint, several teams & players got a chance to see where they stood & what they need to work on. I was impressed with the Dickinson back court law firm of Mark, Williams & Guidry. If they can continue to share the ball & play off of each other, it’ll be scary down in Gator land. Another trio who played well was the Sam Rayburn crew of Jalen White, Jerrell Colbert & Keon Edwards. The young, long, & talented front line is a match up nightmare, they all compliment each other really well. The Silsbee Tigers looked a lot more focused this fall than they did a year ago at this time.. And that’s scary. Jordyn Adams and Devon McCain have matured into more well rounded players & Braelon Bush is always going to be the supreme gas that starts this car.
The team that surprised me was Northshore, they smacked their 3 opponents, and have a balanced attack with contributions from a variety of guys. I know it’s football season on the east side, but people better beware of the hoops team this year! Here are the top 10 performers we saw.
1.Melvin Hollway IV (Saint Thomas Episcopal)- I gotta start calling him “Big Mel” now after he was lights out on Saturday scoring 22 & 41 points in back to back games. Looks like I’ll be at a lot of STE games this year.
2. Jordyn Adams (Silsbee HS)– Was cookin with Crisco! Showed his trademark jumper, and now he seems to be playing with more of a focus and energy even on the defensive end. Expecting a big senior year from him.
3. Javonne Lowery (Pearland HS)- Scored in bunches, & in a variety of ways. Played with a motor, another 2019 kid who seems poised for a big final year of HS basketball.
4. Tramon Mark (Dickinson HS)- I was a little critical of him after a disappointing July. He was playing like he had a point to prove. Was really good getting downhill & showed once again when he’s scoring on all 3 levels he’s a load to stop.
5. Collin Warren (Elkins HS)– a real silent assassin! He just lets his game do the talking. Showed he can carry the load for Elkins. Looked really comfortable scoring from the point, he & Donovan Williams will put up some big numbers.
6. Will Baker (Austin Westlake HS)- It’s very rare that you see a kid with his size, skill set, and athletic ability. Was a dominant force, unstoppable on the low block. Guys like him play on TNT.
7. Deuce Guidry(Dickinson)- People tend to hate on guys because of their size, I however, don’t belong to that church. He was really good in pick & roll, used his quickness to get to the rim and made the right reads.
8. Evan Palmquist (Concordia Lutheran)- One of the new editions” to Concordia Lutheran, & he plays the Ralph Tresvant role really well. (Google “New Edition”) Did everything, shot the ball, got to the rim, & has the ability to make plays for other guys. He’ll be the glue guy all year for them.
9. Zach Iyeyemi (Cy Fair)- Big fella was tough on the block. Also played really well from the high post, making a few jumpers & driving by guys for some easy scores. Had a double double with 22 points & 10 rebounds vs Cinco Ranch.
10. Jalen White (Sam Rayburn)– He’s one of very few players who always looks good playing with other top players. He rebounded the ball well, and of course knocked down his patent mid range jump shot. He’s Mr. Dependable for Sam Rayburn, will always show up & be there when they need him.